I think it is down to your budget. White oak is beautiful but quite pricey. How large is this bookcase? It sounds beautiful. Your carpenter is correct, there is no point paying for expensive wood to then paint over it. What is your style? Could you show us a pic of your intended space and the surrounding furniture? Don't forget about the backing it's a chance to get really creative if you like and backlighting is an opportunity not to be missed. It can really highlight some special collectables. If you search backlit built-in's on Houzz there are some stunning examples. I suggest you make a list of how much storage you need first. Don't forget cupboards with doors at the bottom and accessible sockets for a lamp or two should you choose that style. I can't wait to see what you decide to do :))

amazing feedback Cherry thank you! I will see if I can upload the plan and the space. While funds are not limitless it is super important to my dh ( more important then most of what I did with the house!!) that it is strong and beautiful. what do you mean about a lamp?

This is just a taster. Have a detailed look at the ones that really appeal to you.

https://www.houzz.co.uk/photos/query/built-in-backlit-media-units/nqrwns

I meant if you had a cabinet running all the way across at the bottom you may want to place a table/desk lamp or two on there. Do measure your books first as it sounds as though you need many shelves. You don't want massive gaps above either if you have a lot to store. I would have moveable shelves so you can adjust them as required.

Cherry thank you for the link. If I am doing movable shelves ( brilliant thank you) how can I do lighting on them

its really not a collectable but heritage item (old huge silver peices) I will look at those links. I dont know if I like the two toned one but at the same time its something different which I thkn I want

LED's are the easiest and if connected to the shelves with a bit of extra flex I'm sure you could move a hole or two on the vertical support.

https://www.ledsupply.com/blog/how-to-light-shelves-with-led-flex-strips/?srsltid=AfmBOopSGmtGdNK6umg66gp3phgnTSDyFzqKlYCM-n_uL7Xi_APxviI-

As you like bright and light I would look at neutral soft whites and creams or even a very pale grey. Natural wood can look heavy I feel. I painted 2 pine bookcases in Little Greene eggshell in Slaked Lime. The colour is lovely but boy does it chip! Have a look on Pinterest, there are tons of examples of cosy libraries, and you can save images to a pinboard as you find ones you like. You will soon find what you like and what you don’t.

sonia are those your bookshelves . GOrg!!

Well I don't want it chipping so I am lost

I wish! No just photos I uploaded from Pinterest. I’ve heard Zinsser paints are very hardwearing, but I’ve never used this brand but worth a look.

I know these are first world problems I know.... yet its so much and I really have no experince with these things. Maybe I will go polymere?wood ackk..........

Paint will chip I’m afraid. However my wardrobes from Sharpes are made of MDF and vinyl wrapped and they haven’t chipped at all, or even dropped. Very good quality but pricey. Depends on your budget. They also do living room media centres and bookcases etc.

Hi,

It sounds like you're working on an exciting project for your husband's library! Given your preference for a fresh, clean, and timeless look, I suggest using white oak for its light, neutral tone. It’s a great choice if you don’t like yellow or orange wood tones. You could keep it natural or use a light stain. For a painted finish, soft whites, off-whites, or light greys will give the space a clean, airy feel. For the glass partition, framing it with subtle wood or metal will highlight your collection. For shelf backs, wallpaper with a soft pattern can add texture without overwhelming the space. To explore materials, try websites like Houzz, Pinterest, and Instagram for inspiration, or visit local showrooms for sample finishes.

Oraanj Interior design this is great do you have have experince with this that you can show me links and designs? I love the wall paper idea for back but there are soooooooooo many books we won't be doing much styling more like a library and I don't think we will see the back!

Ritabas, as it will be a library full of books and not a bookcase that needs a bit of staging, then I think a simple wooden structure would be ideal. No painting then therefore no chips! I like the simplicity of the library below, which could be built into whatever size you wish. This image was from Pinterest.

Sonia its really simple and clean I like it. Part of me wants to jazz it up!! The bottom will be cabinets for storage so wondering what to do......... flutted? design, flat, shaker, moulding... I do like clean and simple though

I like Shaker because it is a simple design, as everything Shaker is, and classic so it won’t date like fluted may do? The first pic below is white oak and the 2nd is, I think, ply in a very simple design.

these are not shaker though right just clean

Yes I know. Just showing you options.

Shaker, but you could use a lighter wood to create the look you want.

Sonia you are a gem thank you for visuals and advice